Spicy Peanut Noodles Recipe

Longing for a quick, flavorful meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare?

Look no further than Spicy Peanut Noodles—a delightful fusion of tender noodles enveloped in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you're in need of a comforting bowl of noodles with a kick.

So, let's dive into the step-by-step process to create this delectable meal.​

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter​

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)​

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil​

• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha or gochujang (adjust to your spice preference)​

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey​

• 2 cloves garlic, minced​

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated​

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup warm water (to achieve desired sauce consistency)​

For the Noodles:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) rice noodles or your preferred pasta​

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil​

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced​

• 1 cup shredded carrots​

• 2 green onions, chopped​

• Fresh cilantro or basil, chopped, for garnish​

• Crushed peanuts and sesame seeds, for garnish​

Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles:

   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.​

   • Add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.​

   • Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside.​

2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:

   • In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sriracha (or gochujang), maple syrup (or honey), minced garlic, and grated ginger.​

   • Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.​

   • Gradually add warm water, a little at a time, whisking continuously until the sauce reaches your desired consistency—smooth and pourable but not too thin.​

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.​

   • Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.​

4. Combine Noodles and Sauce:

   • Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.​

   • Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the noodles and gently toss to ensure the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.​

   • If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of warm water to loosen it up, stirring gently to combine.​

5. Serve:

   • Divide the spicy peanut noodles into serving bowls.​

   • Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro or basil, crushed peanuts, and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.​

   • Serve immediately and enjoy your meal!​

Tips:

• Protein Addition: For a heartier meal, consider adding pan-fried tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp to the dish.​

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as snap peas, broccoli florets, or zucchini based on your preference and seasonal availability.​

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha or gochujang to control the heat level according to your taste.​

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

This Spicy Peanut Noodles recipe is a versatile and delightful addition to your culinary repertoire, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Happy cooking!💖👇​